Seatrade Cruise Global: San Juan Cruise Port showcases $42 million upgrade and rising passenger numbers

Puerto Rico port has invested in major improvements, increasing cruise traffic, modernising infrastructure and strengthening tourism partnerships

Seatrade Cruise Global: San Juan Cruise Port showcases $42 million upgrade and rising passenger numbers

Global Ports Holding

The San Juan Cruise Port team at Seatrade Cruise Global, including local ‘plenero’ performers
Alice Chambers

By Alice Chambers |


San Juan Cruise Port (SJCP), located in Puerto Rico and operated by Global Ports Holding, highlighted its recent $42 million infrastructure improvements at Seatrade Cruise Global, which took place in Miami, Florida, from 7-10 April 2025.

SJCP has almost completed Phase 1 of the Panamerican Piers modernisation project, which aims to elevate the port’s safety standards, operational efficiency and receive the newest generation of cruise vessels. Work at Pier 3 is also progressing, where the port is replacing the mooring dolphin on the west side of the pier to ensure full compliance with technical requirements by regulatory authorities.

Read more: SJCP receives multimillion-dollar upgrade

“This transformation is not only about modernising SJCP – it’s about reinforcing Puerto Rico’s standing as a strategic port of call in the global cruise industry,” said Clarivette Diaz, general manager at SJCP. “The economic impact will be significant and lasting and we’re just getting started.”

Clarivette Diaz

Diaz spoke at San Juan Cruise Port’s press conference at Seatrade Cruise Global

SJCP recorded an increase in both cruise line activity and passenger volume in the last year. Early 2025 figures show a 10 per cent rise in passenger traffic, with projections indicating a further growth of nearly 20 per cent this year. The port attributes this growth to its partnerships with cruise operators, greater operational capacity and a renewed focus on San Juan as a key embarkation point in the Caribbean.

“SJCP’s growth and expansion exemplify the power of collaboration between the private and public sectors,” said Mehmet Kutman, chairman and CEO of Global Ports Holding, at Seatrade. “By working together, we can unlock unparalleled opportunities that drive economic growth, enhance infrastructure, and foster a sustainable and thriving tourism industry. This partnership is essential to ensuring that San Juan becomes a leading destination, meeting the needs of our passengers, local communities and stakeholders.”

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